The Direct and Indirect Effects of Mathematics Self-Efficacy on Intermediate Students’ Mathematics Growth
Year: 2020
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: In this study, the investigator sought to determine the extent to which mathematics self-efficacy affects mathematics growth among students in grades four and five. Included in this investigation is a hypothesized structural model that reflects Bandura’s (1977a, 1986, 1989) theory of self-efficacy. In part one of the investigation, each variable in the model (mathematics self-efficacy, self-regulation in mathematics, mathematics avoidance, mathematics anxiety, attitude toward mathematics, and mathematics growth) was analyzed to determine whether there were significant differences between genders in those specified variables. Findings revealed gender differences in two of the six variables, self-regulation in mathematics and mathematics avoidance. Females reported more self-regulatory behaviors in mathematics and less mathematics avoidance behaviors. In part two of the study, the investigator examined the measurement and structural model. In addition, the direct and indirect effects of mathematics self-efficacy on mathematics growth were analyzed. Results from this investigation showed no significant direct effect of mathematics self-efficacy on mathematics growth. However, there was a significant indirect effect of mathematics self-efficacy on mathematics growth with the following mediating variables: self-regulation in mathematics, mathematics avoidance, mathematics anxiety, and attitude toward mathematics. The indirect effect of mathematics self-efficacy on mathematics growth was small, and 5% of the variance in mathematics growth could be explained by the predictor variables. Though some of the data supported Bandura’s (1977a, 1986, 1989) theory of self-efficacy, most of the findings do not support the theoretical framework. The findings from this investigation provide helpful information to the educators at the study’s site. Further intervention studies in the areas of mathematics self-efficacy, self-regulation in mathematics, mathematics avoidance, mathematics anxiety, and attitude toward mathematics are recommended. Another recommendation for the study’s site is to continue to strengthen the social and emotional learning environment with lessons centered on the growth mindset or through evidence-based programs.
Author: Susan Sipniewski
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3135614326